Agile Testing is Not about Automation

Most enterprises, nowadays, use Agile methodology to complete projects at a rapid pace. Along with developing several types of applications, the methodology is also used for performance testing and validating specific client requirements. Under Agile testing, an application is tested as soon as the development is over. So the testers can easily identify and reports bugs that can be fixed immediately. However, the testers have to make a comprehensive Agile test plan by considering the client requirements and the defects that can have a negative impact on the user experience.

Regardless of the nature and size of the project, an organization can adopt Agile testing to avail a number of advantages. However, many people still consider the innovative testing is synonymous with automation testing. The automation testing is, no doubt, an important and integral part of each Agile software testing strategy. But the main aim of the strategy is to ensure that Agile testing is seamlessly integrated with the entire application development process. So an organization can implement Agile test strategy to optimize the performance and scalability of the software, in addition to availing the benefits of test automation.

5 Most Significant Advantages of Agile Testing

1. Ensuring Software Quality: Under traditional development methods, the software evaluation process starts only after the development process is completed. So the responsibility for quality is distributed between the developers and testers. But the Agile testing strategy requires the whole team to take responsibility for quality. As the developers anzd testers work together, it becomes easier to check the quality of the software at various phases on the project. Whenever the programmers add new features, the app is tested immediately for bugs. Further, the testers write customize test cases to test the new code to identify bugs, and share the feedback with developers.

2. Identify and Fix Bugs Immediately: Under traditional methodology, an application is tested only after the development process is over. So the developers need additional time to fix complex and major bugs by rewriting the code. Also, the developers have to revisit the entire code to ensure that the bug fixes are not having any impact in the code base. On the other hand, the Agile testing strategy makes it easier to find and fix the bugs during each phase of the project. Further, the testers and developers can interact with each other to fix the bugs in a quick and hassle-free ways. As the code is still fresh in the programmer's mind, he can easily rewrite it without affecting the code base.

3. Constant and Smooth Communication: Often the timeframe a project is impacted due to the lack of an efficient communication system between the software developers and testing professional. As the programmers have to modify code according to the feedback received from the testers, it becomes essential for each enterprise to ensure better communication. Under Agile testing, the programmers and testers work as a single team. So the professionals can easily communicate with each other. If the programmer needs any additional information to understand the problem, he can directly talk to the testing professional, and modify the code without causing any slight delay.

4. Easy to Incorporate Changes: The frequently changing choices and demands of users have made software development projects both complex and competitive. Many clients ask the software developers to incorporate new features and enhancements between different phases. Further, they require the company to include the changes and enhancements without escalating the project cost. Unlike the traditional project management techniques, Agile methodology allows organizations to implement the change requests and enhancements without putting much effort. As the code needs to be written or modified, it will have an impact on the predetermined time frame. But the company can use the Agile tactics to impress and retain clients by accommodating their new requirements.

5. Creating Customized and Meaningful Tests: Most organizations use automated testing tools to save time and effort. The automated testing tools also offer several features to create a nice testing framework. But the customized framework may not contribute towards making the tests meaningful. So each organization needs to concentrate on the test code rather than the framework code. Also, the automated testing requires professionals to address maintenance and execution issues before adding new test. The Agile tests emphasizes on using automated test tools according to the requirements of the project. Also, the testers can easily add new tests each time any new feature is added. As the test suite becomes an integrated part of production code, the new tests can be added and maintained without putting any extra effort.

Similar to Agile development methodology, the Agile testing also aims to save time and money. The testing methodology emphasizes on concentrating more on the application, instead of documenting other aspects. At the same time, the Agile testing also ensure that testing becomes as integral part of software development life cycle.

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